Overview
- Red paint and slogans including "Zionist war criminal", "Free Palestine", "Stop the genocide", "Never again is now" and "Globalise the intifada" were sprayed on the Westminster monument overnight.
- The Metropolitan Police said officers arrived within two minutes of a 4am alert and arrested a 38-year-old on suspicion of racially aggravated criminal damage.
- Police named the suspect as Caspar San Giorgio, who has been charged with criminal damage, appeared via video link in court on Saturday, and had the case adjourned to Monday for a Dutch interpreter.
- Dutch group Free the Filton 24 claimed responsibility and posted video of the act, with an individual identifying himself as Olax Outis saying he carried it out.
- Police said the detainee was also held on suspicion of supporting Palestine Action as Downing Street and the Greater London Authority condemned the vandalism and cleaners worked to remove the paint.